North Carolina Online Casino Sites in 2024
Online casinos for real money aren’t legal in North Carolina—yet. While the state approved online sports betting in 2024, online casino gaming remains off-limits for now. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
From the latest updates on gambling laws to legal alternatives for enjoying casino games and tips on managing your winnings, this page has everything you need to navigate the North Carolina gaming scene. Let’s dive in!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn about North Carolina’s best sweepstakes casinos for free gaming.
- Review a chronological timeline of North Carolina’s rich gambling history.
- Discover what’s next for NC real money online casinos.
Best Sweepstakes Online Casinos in North Carolina
While North Carolinians can’t legally play at online casinos, they can still access online casino games via sweepstakes casinos. These platforms authorize locals to play for free with virtual coins and redeem real cash prizes.
Check out our page on the best US sweepstakes casinos to discover all the options available. If we narrow the scope to North Carolina, here are our top 3 sites:
Overview of North Carolina Online Gambling
North Carolina offers a mix of legal and restricted gambling options, so knowing what’s available is key. Whether you’re into sports betting, the lottery, or curious about online casino games, here’s a snapshot of what you can (and can’t) do in the Tar Heel State:
| Gambling Type | Legal? | Current Situation | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Casinos | No | Real-money online casinos are not allowed in North Carolina. | — |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes | Online sports betting became legal in 2024, allowing wagers through licensed platforms. | 21 |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes | In-person sports betting is available at select tribal casinos and other approved locations. | 21 |
| Horse Racing | Yes | Betting on horse races is permitted both online and in-person with licensed operators. | 21 |
| State Lottery | Yes | The North Carolina Education Lottery offers scratch-offs and draw games, funding public education. | 18 |
| Charitable Bingo and Raffles | Yes | Nonprofits can host bingo and raffle games if they’re licensed by the state. | 18 |
| Social Casinos | Yes | Social casinos offering free games with virtual coins are a legal alternative to real-money online gambling. | 18 |
Want to Play With Real Money? Best NC Land-Based Casinos
If you’re after a legit gambling experience with real money, North Carolina is home to three land-based casinos:
- Harrah’s in Cherokee: 3,000 slots and 160 table games.
- Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain: 1,000 slot machines and electronic table games.
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in Murphy: 1,300+ slots and 60 table games like blackjack and roulette.
To find out more great brick-and-mortar casinos in the US, we invite you to read our dedicated guide.
Taxes on Gambling Winnings in North Carolina
Gambling winnings are subject to taxation in North Carolina. By default, the casino operator will retain 24% of your winnings as withholding tax for the IRS, up to a certain threshold. Moreover, the state’s income tax rate is 5.25%.
Specifically, you’ll get a W-2G form from the casino if your gambling winnings reach $1,200 at slot machines. Ensure you complete and return it, as the operator also sends a copy of the form to the IRS.
For table games like blackjack, casinos are not required to issue a W-2G form. You’ll have to file an individual income tax report, which you can do electronically via the North Carolina Department of Revenue’s official website. So, it’s essential to keep your records of winnings.
History of Gambling in North Carolina
North Carolina boasts a fascinating gambling history, filled with pivotal moments that shaped its landscape. Here’s a quick timeline of key events:
- 1749: Gambling debts above $100 were invalidated to curb excessive gambling.
- 1784: Anti-gambling laws were repealed to raise government revenue.
- 1835: Lotteries were banned statewide.
- 1994: The Cherokee tribe’s compact with the state allowed casino gaming.
- 2006: The North Carolina Education Lottery was established.
- 2024: Online sports betting became legal.
These milestones showcase North Carolina’s evolving relationship with gambling, blending tradition and modernity.
So, What’s In Store for North Carolina Online Casinos?
With online sports betting legalized in 2024, hopes are high for online casinos in North Carolina—but progress is slow. Lawmakers remain divided, with debates over casinos and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) causing delays.
For now, real-money online casinos remain off-limits, but there are still legal ways to enjoy gambling in the state. Stay tuned for updates, and check out our expert guide on state gambling legislation.
References
- NCDOR Individual Income Filing Requirements — Retrieved on November 22, 2024
- North Carolina State Lottery Commission — Retrieved on November 22, 2024
- North Carolina launches statewide sports wagering — Retrieved on November 22, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
No, online casinos for real money are illegal in North Carolina. However, residents can legally enjoy sweepstakes casinos.
Yes, all gambling winnings must be reported as taxable income on both federal and state tax returns. You can also deduct gambling losses, but only up to the amount of your winnings.
The minimum age for most gambling activities, such as in-person casinos and sports betting, is 21. For lottery games and charitable bingo, the legal age is 18.